Re-thinking Everything We Have Learned

As part of the on-going telesummit on FASD social worker and parent Dan Dubovski, shares ideas about how best to support FASD-affected children. I wish information like this had been available when Sandy was growing up. Instead, we tried to follow normal therapy recommendations with a child affected by FASD--with disastrous results.

Traditional therapies assume clients understand cause and effect, that their executive functioning is intact. The traditional goal is independence. This is usually not possible for people with the brain damage of FASD. 

Instead, we can help them be successful through positive reinforcement and confidence-building. Teach them through role-playing, mentoring, and the modeling of positive peers. Break tasks down to tiny parts, so they can practice. We shelter them within a strong framework. Most of all, we communicate their intrinsic value as human beings. 

There is much hope for people with FASD.

I wish we had understood Sandy’s condition earlier. Now, I would never press charges against her. I would never allow a situation where she was surrounded by troubled youth. I focus intensively on helping her develop useful skills and talents within a super positive support system.

The presentations of the telesummit are full of useful and important ideas. Thanks to everyone making the world more supportive for those affected by FASD.